Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also known as Gavipur Cave Temple, is located in Gavipura, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru. Renowned for its exquisite rock-cut architecture, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was originally constructed in the 6th century. In the 16th century, Kempegowda the founder of Bangalore, restored and expanded it. The granite pillars in the forecourt, symbolizing the Sun and the Moon, are significant attractions. The unique feature of this temple is its inner sanctum, carved directly from rock, structured to allow sunlight to penetrate directly into the shrine. This phenomenon occurs annually on a specific day in the month of Makar Sankranti, when sunlight illuminates the Nandi statue, touches the feet of the Shivalingam, and finally bathes the entire Shivalingam in light.

Visiting Hours:

Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Evening: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

How to Reach:

Bus: Local buses from Bangalore Bus Station have routes to the temple.

Train: The nearest railway station is Bangalore Railway Station, connecting to various locations across India.

Airport: From Bangalore International Airport, visitors can hire a taxi to the temple.

FAQs about Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:

What is special about Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple?

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, located in Gavipuram, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, is renowned for its exquisite rock-cut architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Originally built in the 6th century, it was restored and expanded by Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, in the 16th century. The temple features unique granite pillars representing the Sun and the Moon and an inner sanctum carved from rock, designed to allow sunlight to directly illuminate the deity on specific days.

What is the significance of the annual sunlight phenomenon at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple?

On a specific day during Makar Sankranti, sunlight enters the temple and directly illuminates the Nandi statue, then touches the feet of the Shivalingam, ultimately bathing the entire Shivalingam in light. This natural event highlights the temple's architectural brilliance and spiritual significance.

What are the visiting hours of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple?

The temple is open during the following hours:

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Evening: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

How can visitors reach Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple?

To reach Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:

By Bus: Local buses from Bangalore Bus Station have routes to the temple.

By Train: Bangalore City Junction is the nearest railway station, offering connections across India.

By Air: Bangalore International Airport provides both domestic and international flights. Taxis can be hired from the airport for convenient transport to the temple.